Bill Bjork, president of the National Education Association-Alaska, said he was disappointed the most recent Legislature waited until its final few days to publicly consider education.

"There was no time for the community to give input," he said.

He said he hoped the task force will hold numerous meetings and hear broad points of view.

"I hope for an aggressive meeting schedule, to allow input from stakeholders," he said.

House Minority Leader Rep. Beth Kerttula, D-Juneau, was surprised by the makeup of the committee.

"I was surprised there was no women on it," she said.

She was less concerned about the lack of regional representation because she's been assured by House Speaker John Harris that members who are not officials committee members will be encouraged to attend and participate in meetings as well.

Sen. Kim Elton, D-Juneau, said he was disappointed that there wasn't additional Southeast representation, such as Rep. Peggy Wilson, R-Wrangell, who chairs the Health, Education and Social Services Committee.

Bjork said the group had a good chance to provide a useful look at what's grown to be a very complex problem.

"We're optimistic that these folks are going to get the job done," Bjork said.

If the task force cannot reach an agreement on a recommendation, it will be asked to request a special legislative session to look at school financing.

Bjork said something must be done.

"Our schools have been on a starvation diet for two decades," he said.